玩

翫

wán

元 + 王

HSK 2.0Level 2

HSK 3.0Level 1

Definitions

wán (verb) to play; to have fun

wán (verb) to toy with; to trifle with

wán (noun) toy; plaything

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 𤣩 represents the meaning and 元 represents the sound.

Semantic: 王 Phonetic: 元

About

玩 means "to play", "to have fun", or can refer to a toy or an object of appreciation. It is a phono-semantic compound combining the meaning component 王 (the radical form of 玉 "jade", suggesting precious objects) with the phonetic element 元. The original sense was holding a piece of jade or a valuable item in the hands to examine and toy with it. From this specific act of appreciating fine objects, the meaning broadened to encompass general play, games, amusement, and treating matters lightly.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

玩这个游戏。

Wán zhège yóuxì.

Play this game.

我喜欢玩手机游戏。

Wǒ xǐhuan wán shǒujī yóuxì.

I like to play mobile games.

周末我们一起去公园玩。

Zhōumò wǒmen yīqǐ qù gōngyuán wán.

We go to the park to have fun together on the weekend.

他在学习如何玩吉他。

Tā zài xuéxí rúhé wán jítā.

He is learning how to play the guitar.

我的狗喜欢玩扔球游戏。

Wǒ de gǒu xǐhuan wán rēng qiú yóuxì.

My dog likes to play fetch.

你这是在玩火，太危险了。

Nǐ zhè shì zài wán huǒ, tài wēixiǎn le.

You are playing with fire; it's too dangerous.

退休后，他过着游山玩水的悠闲生活。

Tuìxiū hòu, tā guòzhe yóu shān wán shuǐ de yōuxián shēnghuó.

After retirement, he lives a leisurely life of touring scenic places.

他看出了我的尴尬，只是笑了笑，没再玩下去。

Tā kànchūle wǒ de gāngà, zhǐshì xiàole xiào, méi zài wán xiàqù.

He saw my embarrassment, just smiled, and didn't play along any further.

Related Characters

Component: 元

Component: 王

玩